New Investor Development Manager In this role, you will manage the new investor development across the eastern half of the country. The goal is to recruit new and qualify investors to systematically increase Ace's market store count via our new store growth strategy and to lower atrophy through new investors purchasing existing Ace stores for sale which will in turn grow overall market share through increased and improved store ownership. The successful Business Development Manager will manage the interest-to-application process within the area of new investor opportunities and evaluate key leads for the MDMs (Market Development Manager). The Business Development Manager is the Ace Brand Ambassador in the new investor growth channel. In addition, they will create and communicate best practices and intelligence on how to activate new investor opportunities. What You'll Do: Recruit, educate and motivate qualified candidates: This includes sales, the development of a business plan and consulting with new investors. It is the ability and accountability to determine when to say 'yes' and (equally important) when to say 'no'. The BDM has the front-line accountability on determining prospect business acumen, character, competence, and financial qualifications per Ace's credit guidelines, identifying qualified candidates Achieve and exceed designated goals for the number of new store activations and new investors acquiring existing Ace stores Partner with MDM on open market new store opportunities: Once the new investor has been qualified, there is an understanding of the new investor's goals and where they would like to open a new Ace store, the BDM will partner with the local MDM to identify open market opportunities. The BDM will remain connected with the MDM and new investor through the sales cycle to closing the sale In-depth knowledge of existing Ace stores for sale and identify opportunities to partner with BTM (Business Transaction Manager) to connect new investor prospects with the seller. Successfully navigate the purchase process on behalf of the buyer while the BTM navigates the sale of the business on behalf of the seller Develop relationships: The BDM will develop relationships with new investor prospects. The BDM will determine if the new investor will be a good fit for the culture of Ace and is committed to owning and operating one of the best, most helpful hardware stores on the planet. The BDM will understand the goals of the prospect and connect them with the proper new business partner to achieve those goals Actively participate in market first strategy: Participate in the identification, review, and final selection of development areas. Engage in the real estate site selection process following the selection of development areas. Partner with local MDM on activity in the target market. Connect qualified new investors with the local MDM on development area opportunities Franchise shows: Identify franchise show opportunities in your respective region of the country. Partner with the local MDMs to work the booth during the show. Onsite management of the execution of the booth and delivering qualified new investor leads through the show efforts Required Skills: College Degree Business or equivalent experience At least 5 years' experience in retailing, franchising, real estate, or market development work Ability to develop, secure and close a new store opportunity Strong negotiation skills Strong presentation skills to a variety of 'audiences' including wealthy investors, real estate brokers, lenders and existing Ace retailers Ability to create trust, respect, understanding and build strong working relationships Business Acumen understand the economics of business and retailing Understanding of the lease negotiation process Strong understanding of capitalization and financing opportunities, methods, and processes Working knowledge of the balance between the benefit of store density and cannibalization along with the resultant ramifications of these on the Ace brand Franchise intelligence knowledge of our 'franchise' competitors and how to uniquely position Ace against these other investment choices Ability to create strong, respected coalitions with all new business and retail operations partners including: Vice President, Divisional Manager, Regional Manager, Market Development Manager, Business Transaction Manager, Project Manager. District Manager and Corporate Manager New Business Self-Starter with minimal supervision needed Ability to travel 70%+ of the year Why Ace? From the start of your Ace Hardware career, you'll appreciate why we're known as "The Helpful Place." Helpful means living the Ace values: winning, excellence, love, integrity, gratitude, humility, and teamwork. Helpful is the key to our success and is ingrained in everything we do. We are stronger together and work as one to be the helpful place across our communities, retail stores, retail support centers and corporate offices. Join us and share our passion for making a positive impact on every customer we touch. At Ace Hardware, we support our retailers and the community at large. We believe our teams are our most important assets and offer work-life balance, promotion from within, and such competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous 401(k) contributions, great vacation allocation, holiday pay, and tuition reimbursement. If you're looking for an employer that wants to help you live your best life, apply with Ace today. Compensation Details: $101,000 - $120,000 Per Year